Degrees and Programs

Psychology

The Department of Psychology offers B.A. and B.S. degrees in psychology and an M.A. degree in community psychology. Doctoral study in psychology is only available through the interdisciplinary studies program of the Graduate School. Interdisciplinary programs in psychology are housed within the Department of Psychology.

The focus of this department is to provide breadth and depth in the science and profession of psychology with a commitment to honoring diversity and promoting human welfare. The curriculum develops cross-cultural knowledge, critical thinking, imagination, creativity, ethical principles, concern for social justice, as well as respect for and knowledge of diverse perspectives that include feminist, multicultural, indigenous, gay and lesbian.

In addition to active engagement in the classroom, students participate in research and community service. Programs in psychology facilitate an understanding of the human experience as interaction of biological, psychological, social and cultural processes.

The community psychology program trains master's-level practitioners in mental health and community development who can work sensitively and effectively in cross-cultural community contexts, particularly in Alaska native settings in rural areas and urban settings with multicultural populations.

The graduate program attempts to meet the demand for trained mental health professionals in rural Alaska; however, graduates have also found employment in rural America and internationally.

The program prepares individuals who are interested in strengthening a sense of community and promoting the assets of communities as resources for primary prevention. The objectives of the program are:

1. To train master's-level psychologists for rural and cross-cultural settings.

2. To place master's-level psychologists in human and social service agencies in Alaska in both rural and semi-urban areas having large cross-cultural and rural populations.

3. To provide in-service and continuing education for mental health professionals with a special emphasis on rural and cross-cultural issues.

The program prepares generalists who are capable of doing individual counseling, designing and evaluating community-based interventions, facilitating social change and prevention, and understanding assessment and diagnosis. Students are expected to become cross-culturally competent in those areas critical for a rural community psychologist. The program is practice-oriented and seeks to educate reflective practitioners who can integrate theory and practice and have the requisite research skills to facilitate change at the individual and community level.

1. Complete the following admission requirements:
a. Apply for admission by March 1. Students are accepted in the spring for the fall semester. Notification of admission will occur prior to the end of the spring semester. The program accepts a maximum of eight students per year, with the option to accept fewer if there are limited resources.
b. Completion of the baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution in counseling, psychology, sociology, social work, human services, education or a related helping profession. A non-social science background may be accepted, but the applicant must complete the necessary undergraduate prerequisites as delineated by their advisor prior to advancement to candidacy. These prerequisites include abnormal psychology, social or community psychology, research methods, and statistics.
c. Have a grade point average of 3.00 or higher and/or evidence of personal and professional suitability for community psychology work, and interest in rural practice. In part, this will be inferred from the applicant's academic and employment history, and an interview when possible.
d. A statement of career goals and how the M.A. degree program fits these goals.
e. Three letters of reference endorsing the applicant's admission to the community psychology program.
f. If enrolling as a part-time student, applicant must enroll in 1 required course during the first semester.
2. Complete the general university requirements.
3. Complete the master's degree requirements.
4. Complete internship* (0-12 credits)
5. Complete the following core courses:

6. Minimum credits required (48 credits)* Complete an internship under the supervision of a qualified psychologist, mental health or human services practitioner. The internship is for either a full-time, one-semester or part-time, one-year; placements are arranged after at least 24 credits are completed. By approval of committee, additional elective credits may be substituted for all or part of the internship requirement.